Chapter 32 · The Mark Answers

"Stop squirming, Sia."

Justin pressed the silver dagger against my wrist. The edge kissed the skin beside Kane's mark.

"You know I hate it when my toys fight back."

I slammed my shoulder into the damp stone wall. "I'm not your toy. And I'm not your key."

"We'll see."

He leaned closer. His expensive cologne filled my lungs, sweet enough to make me gag. The dagger slid higher, stopping beneath my throat.

"Show me the mark," he said. "Or I start cutting until I find it."

"That's your plan? Threaten an unarmed prisoner and call yourself powerful?"

His mouth tightened.

Good. I had found the bruise.

Justin wanted the key hidden inside me. He wanted Kane's mark. If he saw it, he'd know the Forbidden King was still tethered to me.

And then he'd use me as bait.

"Roll up your sleeve," Justin ordered.

"Ask nicely."

The dagger pressed harder.

"Now."

I hooked my fingers under the fabric and lifted it a few inches. My hand shook, but I forced a smile.

"All this power," I said. "And you're still playing with knives like a spoiled child.